Reasons why Women and Girls’ sexual and reproductive health needs should be prioritized

The vulnerability of women and girls to sexual and reproductive health challenges remains a critical development issue globally, but importantly in the developing countries. International conventions and treaties reinforce the global commitment to women’s and girls’ SRHR. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) affirms the right to health and dignity, establishing a foundation for reproductive rights. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, 1979) explicitly calls for gender equality and the elimination of discrimination against women, including in health and reproductive rights. The Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD, 1994) emphasizes the importance of reproductive health and rights as integral to development, advocating for universal access to reproductive health services. Additionally, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality), explicitly recognize the importance of SRHR in building sustainable, equitable societies.

 The focus on women and girls’ Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) is a fundamental pilar of  pursuit of a just and equitable society. When women and girls have access to comprehensive reproductive health services, they are empowered to make informed choices, pursue education, and participate fully in economic and social life. Conversely, lack of access leads to preventable maternal deaths, unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and perpetuation of gender inequalities.

The SRHR needs of women and girls encompasses a wide range of issues, including access to contraception, safe pregnancy and childbirth, protection from gender-based violence, menstrual health and the right to make autonomous decisions about one’s body. Despite several efforts globally and at country level over the years, millions of women and girls continue to face barriers that threaten their health, rights, and well-being. Barriers such as cultural norms, legal restrictions, and inadequate health infrastructure hinder progress. Recognizing these challenges, the international community has increasingly emphasized the importance of targeted interventions and policy commitments to safeguard and promote women and girls’ SRHR.

Despite this understanding, disparities persist, especially among marginalized and vulnerable populations.

The 15 reasons why prioritizing women and girls’ Sexual and Reproductive Health is essential

1. Gender Equality Promotion: Ensuring women and girls have access to SRHR is essential for promoting gender equality. According to the United Nations Women report (2020), gender equality cannot be achieved without addressing SRHR, as it directly impacts women’s ability to participate fully in social, economic, and political life. When women control their reproductive choices, they experience greater autonomy, which is a cornerstone of gender equality and empowerment.

2. Reducing Maternal Mortality: Improving SRHR services significantly reduces maternal mortality rates. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 295,000 women died during and following pregnancy and childbirth in 2017, with most deaths preventable through accessible reproductive health services (WHO, 2019). Access to contraception, skilled birth attendance, and emergency obstetric care are proven strategies to save lives.

3. Addressing Unmet Needs: Globally, an estimated 214 million women in developing countries have an unmet need for contraception (Guttmacher Institute, 2020). Lack of access results in unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and health complications. Focused SRHR efforts aim to bridge this gap, ensuring women can plan their families and health outcomes effectively.

4. Combating Gender-Based Violence: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major barrier to SRHR. The UNHCR reports that 35% of women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence, often linked to reproductive health issues, including forced pregnancies or unsafe abortions (UNHCR, 2021). Addressing GBV through SRHR services helps empower women to seek help and protect their rights.

5. Fighting HIV/AIDS and STIs: Women and girls account for nearly 50% of all new HIV infections worldwide, with young women aged 15-24 being twice as likely to acquire HIV as men (UNAIDS, 2023). Targeted SRHR programs, including condom promotion and testing, are crucial to reduce infection rates among women and girls.

6. Supporting Adolescents: Adolescents, especially girls, face unique SRHR challenges. An estimated 12 million girls aged 15-19 give birth each year globally, often due to lack of access to comprehensive sexuality education and services (UNFPA, 2021). Providing age-appropriate SRHR education helps prevent early pregnancies and promotes healthy development.

7. Reducing Child Marriage: Child marriage affects over 12 million girls annually, often leading to early pregnancy, ill-health, and discontinuation of education (UNICEF, 2022). SRHR initiatives aim to end child marriage by promoting education, legal protections, and community awareness to uphold girls’ rights.

8. Promoting Education and Awareness: Dissemination of SRHR information reduces myths and stigma. The World Bank highlights that comprehensive sexuality education increases the likelihood of safe sexual behaviors and reduces adolescent pregnancies (World Bank, 2018). Education empowers women and girls to make informed choices.

9. Economic Empowerment: Access to SRHR allows women and girls to pursue education and employment without the constraints of unplanned pregnancies. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports that when women’s reproductive rights are protected, their participation in the workforce increases, contributing to economic growth (ILO, 2020).

10. Addressing Disparities: Marginalized groups, including women in rural areas or from minority communities, often face higher SRHR barriers. The WHO states that rural women have less access to contraception and maternal health services, exacerbating health disparities (WHO, 2019). Focused efforts aim to reduce these gaps and ensure equitable access.

11. Supporting Human Rights: SRHR is recognized as a fundamental human right by the UN. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the right to health and reproductive autonomy. Ensuring access to SRHR promotes dignity, equality, and respect for women’s rights worldwide (UN, 1948; UNFPA, 2021).

12. Global Health Goals: SRHR is central to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goal 3 aims to ensure healthy lives, including maternal health, while Goal 5 promotes gender equality. The UN emphasizes that progress on SRHR is critical for meeting these global targets (UN, 2023).

13. Reducing Poverty: Poor reproductive health outcomes trap women and their families in cycles of poverty. A study by the World Bank shows that maternal mortality and morbidity can impoverish families due to healthcare costs and lost productivity, underscoring the importance of accessible SRHR services (World Bank, 2018).

14. Responding to Demographic Changes: Global demographic shifts, such as aging populations and youth bulges, demand tailored SRHR services. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) notes that addressing the needs of young women is vital for sustainable development, as they form a significant part of global populations (UNFPA, 2022).

15. Building Resilient Societies: Healthy women and girls contribute to resilient societies. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) states that investing in SRHR improves community health, stability, and economic productivity, fostering social resilience (IFRC, 2020).

In conclusion, prioritizing women and girls’ Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights is not merely a moral obligation, it is a strategic investment in the future of societies. This is because it enables us to unlock the potential of half the population, leading to healthier families, stronger communities, and more resilient nations. The international conventions and treaties that bind us serve as powerful reminders of our collective responsibility to eliminate disparities and ensure equitable access to SRHR for all women and girls, regardless of their circumstances. As we move forward, it is essential to translate commitments into tangible and sustained actions, strengthening policies, expanding access to quality services, and challenging harmful social norms.